AL THWN-2

Aluminum THWN-2 600V Building Wire

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

AL THWN-2 is a 600V aluminum single-conductor building wire designed for feeder, branch circuit, lighting, motor, and general-purpose electrical wiring applications.

The cable features an electrical-grade aluminum conductor with high-performance thermoplastic insulation. THWN-2 construction is designed for a maximum conductor operating temperature of 90°C in both wet and dry locations, providing enhanced thermal performance for demanding electrical installations.

The lightweight aluminum conductor provides an economical alternative to copper for commercial, residential, industrial, and utility electrical systems when properly sized, terminated, and installed according to applicable electrical codes.

APPLICATIONS

• Residential building wiring

• Commercial electrical installations

• Industrial power distribution

• Feeder circuits

• Branch circuits

• Lighting systems

• Motor and equipment circuits

• Electrical panels and switchboards

• Distribution boards

• Conduit and raceway systems

• Cable trays where permitted

• Wet and dry locations

• Outdoor wiring where permitted

• Utility and infrastructure projects

• General-purpose power distribution

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

Typical reference standards include:

• UL 83 — Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables

• ASTM B230/B230M — Aluminum Wire, 1350-H19

• ASTM B231/B231M — Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors

• NFPA 70 / NEC — National Electrical Code

• Applicable local electrical codes and installation requirements

Final certification and construction depend on conductor size, insulation system, manufacturing configuration, and destination-market requirements.

CONSTRUCTION

1. Conductor

• Material: Electrical-grade aluminum

• Typical alloy: Aluminum 1350 series

• Construction: Solid or stranded

• Stranding: Concentric-lay stranded for larger conductor sizes

• Surface: Smooth and clean

• Conductor design optimized for electrical conductivity and installation performance

2. Insulation

• Material: High-performance thermoplastic insulation

• Insulation type: THWN-2

• Rated voltage: 600V

• Maximum conductor operating temperature: 90°C

• Location rating: Wet and dry locations

3. Color Identification

Standard insulation colors may include:

• Black

• White

• Red

• Blue

• Green

• Brown

• Orange

• Gray

Other colors can be supplied according to customer requirements.

TECHNICAL DATA

TYPICAL CONDUCTOR SIZES

Typical available sizes include:

Other conductor sizes and constructions can be manufactured according to project requirements.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Rated Voltage

600V

Conductor Conductivity

The aluminum conductor provides reliable electrical conductivity while offering reduced conductor weight compared with equivalent copper constructions.

Ampacity

Allowable ampacity depends on:

• Conductor size

• Ambient temperature

• Number of current-carrying conductors

• Installation method

• Raceway or cable tray configuration

• Terminal temperature rating

• Applicable NEC requirements

Final allowable ampacity shall be determined according to the actual installation conditions and applicable electrical codes.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE

The THWN-2 insulation system is designed for continuous conductor operation at up to 90°C in wet and dry locations, subject to applicable ampacity and installation requirements.

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

AL THWN-2 is designed for fixed electrical installations and provides:

• Good handling characteristics

• Low conductor weight

• Good resistance to normal installation stresses

• Reliable insulation integrity

• Suitable flexibility for conduit installation

• Clear conductor identification

• Stable performance under normal service conditions

The cable should be protected from excessive pulling tension, crushing, sharp edges, and bending beyond the manufacturer's recommended limits.

INSTALLATION

AL THWN-2 may be installed in approved:

• Conduits

• Raceways

• Electrical panels

• Switchboards

• Distribution equipment

• Cable trays where permitted

• Other wiring systems recognized by applicable electrical codes

Installation should comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable local regulations.

Aluminum conductors must be terminated using connectors, terminals, lugs, and installation practices specifically approved for aluminum conductors.

Proper conductor preparation, connector compatibility, and specified tightening torque are important for long-term electrical reliability.

KEY FEATURES

• 600V rated

• 90°C wet and dry

• Electrical-grade aluminum conductor

• High-performance thermoplastic THWN-2 insulation

• Suitable for wet and dry locations

• Lightweight compared with equivalent copper conductors

• Wide range of AWG and kcmil sizes

• Suitable for commercial, residential, industrial, and utility applications

• Suitable for conduit and raceway systems

• Multiple insulation colors available

• Custom configurations available

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES

90°C Wet/Dry Rating

THWN-2 provides a 90°C conductor temperature rating in both wet and dry locations, offering greater thermal capability than standard THWN and THW constructions.

Wet-Location Capability

The THWN-2 designation is specifically intended for approved wet-location wiring systems, making it suitable for installations exposed to moisture when all applicable requirements are met.

Lightweight Construction

Aluminum conductors provide significant weight savings compared with equivalent copper conductors, simplifying transportation, handling, and installation.

Cost Efficiency

AL THWN-2 offers an economical conductor solution for feeder, branch circuit, and power distribution applications.

Wide Size Range

A broad range of AWG and kcmil sizes supports different load and electrical distribution requirements.

QUALITY CONTROL

Typical quality-control procedures may include:

• Conductor resistance testing

• Conductor diameter inspection

• Stranding inspection

• Insulation thickness measurement

• High-voltage testing

• Spark testing

• Insulation integrity testing

• Dimensional inspection

• Marking verification

• Finished product visual inspection

Additional testing can be provided according to customer specifications and applicable certification requirements.

PACKAGING

AL THWN-2 can typically be supplied in:

• Coils

• Plastic reels

• Wooden reels

• Wooden drums

• Export-grade packaging

Packaging length, reel dimensions, labeling, and identification markings can be customized according to project and shipping requirements.

CUSTOMIZATION

Available options may include:

• Conductor size

• Solid or stranded construction

• Insulation color

• Conductor marking

• Printing requirements

• Standard package length

• Reel or drum configuration

• Private-label marking

• Project-specific technical specifications

FAQ

What is AL THWN-2?

AL THWN-2 is a 600V aluminum single-conductor building wire with thermoplastic insulation designed for 90°C operation in both wet and dry locations.

What does THWN-2 mean?

THWN-2 identifies a thermoplastic-insulated wire construction designed for a maximum conductor operating temperature of 90°C in wet and dry locations.

What is the voltage rating of AL THWN-2?

The standard voltage rating is 600V.

Can AL THWN-2 be used in wet locations?

Yes. THWN-2 is designed for 90°C operation in wet locations, subject to the product's specific markings, ampacity limitations, and applicable installation requirements.

What is the difference between AL THWN and AL THWN-2?

The main difference is the temperature rating. AL THWN is typically rated 75°C wet/dry, while AL THWN-2 is rated 90°C wet/dry.

What is the difference between AL THW-2 and AL THWN-2?

Both are typically rated 90°C wet/dry and are thermoplastic-insulated 600V building wires. THWN-2 specifically incorporates the W wet-location designation and is commonly selected where the THWN-2 marking is required for the intended application.

What is the difference between AL THHW and AL THWN-2?

THHW is typically rated 90°C dry and 75°C wet, while THWN-2 is rated 90°C wet and dry.

Is aluminum suitable for feeder applications?

Yes. Aluminum conductors are widely used for feeder and power distribution applications when properly sized and terminated using equipment approved for aluminum conductors.

Can AL THWN-2 be installed in conduit?

Yes. AL THWN-2 is commonly installed in approved conduit and raceway systems according to applicable electrical codes.

What sizes are available?

Typical sizes range from 14 AWG to 1000 kcmil, with other sizes available for specific projects.

Can the insulation color be customized?

Yes. Standard and custom insulation colors can be supplied according to project requirements.

Can AL THWN-2 be used outdoors?

Outdoor use depends on the complete product construction, markings, installation method, and applicable electrical code. The specific product should be verified for the intended application.

Is AL THWN-2 lighter than copper wire?

Yes. Aluminum has a significantly lower density than copper, resulting in lower conductor weight for comparable electrical applications. Proper conductor sizing is required to achieve the required ampacity.

SEO INFORMATION

SEO Product Title:
AL THWN-2 600V Aluminum Building Wire | 90°C Wet & Dry

Short Description:
AL THWN-2 is a 600V aluminum building wire with thermoplastic insulation and a 90°C wet/dry temperature rating for feeders, branch circuits, commercial, industrial, and power distribution applications.

Meta Description:
600V AL THWN-2 aluminum building wire with 90°C wet and dry temperature rating. Available in AWG and kcmil sizes for wet locations, feeders, branch circuits, conduit, raceway and power distribution.

Product Image Title:
AL THWN-2 600V Aluminum Building Wire

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AL THWN-2 600V aluminum thermoplastic insulated building wire

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